PIB Group buys independent insurance broker Wilby

April 3, 2018

PIB Group (PIB) has bought Wilby, a UK Top 100 independent chartered insurance broker. It is the fourteenth business to be snapped up by PIB in 21 months, following the Group’s recent investment in Lorica Insurance Brokers and Citynet Insurance Brokers.

Specialisms

Founded in 1984, Wilby specialises in commercial insurance and risk management solutions for businesses and private individuals. Key areas of specialty are in the commercial insurance for caravan dealers and parks and care (children’s and social care, hospices and shelters) sectors, plus motorcycle dealers and construction. The business has also been recognised for its expertise with several wins at the British Insurance Awards and UK Broker Awards.

Management

Richard Blackburn, WilbyWilby CEO Richard Blackburn and the existing management team will continue to lead the business. Richard Blackburn commented: “I’m incredibly excited that Wilby is joining PIB. The wider experience and resources of being part of the PIB group can only further enhance our proposition to both new and existing clients. This as a unique opportunity to continue our own growth agenda, while also contributing to the long-term ambitions of the wider Group. The PIB philosophy will enable us to continue to grow through investing in quality people and businesses.”

Synergy

Brendan McManus, CEO for PIB Group sees the investment as an opportunity to strengthen PIB’s strategy to build market leading positions in specialist businesses.

McManus commented: “Wilby has built a strong reputation and brand in their chosen markets over the years, so I’m thrilled we have joined forces with Richard and his team. With our investment, Wilby will continue to grow and succeed while also enjoying the opportunities that come with being part of a larger Group. Collaboration is a key theme at PIB and there are obvious sector synergies with some of our existing business that we can all build upon together and strengthen our propositions further.”

Growth

Wilby’s strategy has been to evolve organically and via acquisition which is consistent with the objectives of PIB. The business has seen strong growth during the last three years, with a solid underlying organic performance. Its headquarters are in Halifax with three satellite offices across the North of England (Lymm, Cumbria and Brighouse), with approximately 80 employees serving clients across the UK. The new addition takes PIB’s total headcount close to 1100 people located in 39 offices, and GWP is approximately £500m.